Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do not mean first, but. I do not mean first, when. I do not mean first, if. I mean first - period.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the defense of the United States without conditions or hesitations.
John F. Kennedy's quote stresses that the defense policy of the United States should be unequivocal and prioritized above all else. He argues that there should be no conditions or circumstances that alter this commitment, implying that national security must be viewed as an absolute necessity rather than a choice influenced by timing or circumstances.
In practice
In a speech about national security, one could quote Kennedy to reinforce the idea of unwavering defense.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
The only thing I don't think people don't understand about good leaders is that they're both good and lucky. A lot of it is timing.
I chose to present myself as one who comes from among the people, and I can be touched by their pain because I have my own.
If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it - young or old, successful or less-than-successful, unknown or famous - is changed by it.
If there is such a thing as good leadership, it is to give a good example. I have to do so for all the Ikea employees.
It just comes from my faith as a Christian, to not just do a job, collect a check and go home.
I have nothing to do with opinions. I deal only with armed rebellion and its aiders and abettors.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.